The Rt. Rev. Philander Chase, D.D. was the founder and first President of Kenyon College serving from 1824 to 1831. Chase was also the first Episcopal Bishop of Ohio. This collection of his letters is kept in the College Archives and is available to researchers.
The Philander Chase letters were written in the 18th and 19th century and therefore may contain language that we understand today as harmful or offensive. You may encounter paternalist descriptions of Native Americans, racial slurs, or sexism. For more information, see our policy page.
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Letter to the Archbishop of York
Philander Chase
12-21-1849Philander Chase asks the Archbishop of York, England to rein in the English in Illinois.
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Letter to Rachel Denison (sister)
Philander Chase
12-25-1849Philander Chase describes his Christmas Day to his sister Rachel.
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Letter to Laura Chase
Philander Chase
12-29-1849Philander Chase summarizes his new edition of the Motto about the worshipers of Mammon.
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Letter to Philander Chase
John Lloyd Johnston
2-8-1850John Lloyd Johnston describes the pleasant experiences he has had among the English in Carrollton, Illinois.
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Letter to Philander Chase
S N. Child
2-13-1850S.N. Child thanks Philander Chase for his donation of $15.00 and requests five more to pay off debts until he can earn an income form his new school.
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Letter to Adam Hodgson
John Vigers
2-13-1850John Vigers complies with Lord Kenyon's request to pay to Philander Chase's bank account under Adam Hodgson for the support of orphaned children.
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Letter to Adam Hodgson
John Vigers
2-18-1850John Vigers requests to send 22£ to Adam Hodgson for Philander Chase.
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Letter to Adam Hodgson
Lord Kenyon
2-24-1850Lord Kenyon orders £20 to be paid to Adam Hodgson's bank to thank him for his kind transmittance to Philander Chase.
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Letter to Samuel Chase
Philander Chase
3-16-1850Philander Chase asks Samuel Chase to officiate church services in Brimfield.
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Letter to Philander Chase
Aymar &. Co
3-27-1850Request for the method of transmittance of £42 to Philander Chase
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Letter to Philander Chase
John Vigers
4-1-1850John Vigers explains the financial situation of the orphaned Taylor children and the money donated by their surviving relatives.
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Letter to Samuel Chase
Philander Chase
4-19-1850Philander Chase describes his travel to and the beginning of his stay in Quincy.
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Letter to Rachel Denison Jr. (Niece)
Philander Chase
9-4-1850Philander Chase has arrived in Cincinnati for the General Convention. He announces the birth of twins by his nephew Samuel's wife.
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Letter to Mary Olivia Chase
Philander Chase
11-10-1850Sophia Chase has taken sick after her and Philander's return from Cincinnati.
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Letter to Mary Olivia Chase
Philander Chase
11-10-1850Sophia Chase has taken sick after her and Philander's return from Cincinnati.
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Letter to James Sawyer
Philander Chase
12-9-1850Philander Chase thanks James Sawyer for his donation of $5 to Jubilee College.
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Letter to John Kinny
Philander Chase
12-31-1850Philander Chase wishes his friend John Kinny a happy new year.
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Letter to Rev. F. L. Hawks
Philander Chase
1851Philander Chase formally appoints Francis Hawks to be preacher at the consecration of William Creighton.
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Letter to Mary Olivia Chase
Philander Chase
1851Philander Chase incloses some money for his granddaughter Mary Olivia.
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Letter to a Friend at a Distance
Philander Chase
1-9-1851Philander Chase reflects on both the successes and losses at Jubilee College. He has just lost a court case and must pay the amount of the land purchased for Jubilee College.
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Letter to Mary Olivia Chase
Philander Chase
1-13-1851Philander Chase writes a diatribe against "Romanish forces" in England.
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Letter to Laura Chase
Philander Chase
1-16-1851Philander Chase announces the death of Orrin Fay Jr.
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Letter to Rachel Denison Sr. (sister)
Philander Chase
1-22-1851Philander Chase reflects on a time when his parents complained of the pains of old age now that he is experiencing them himself.
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Letter to Rachel Denison Sr. (sister)
Philander Chase
2-5-1851Philander Chase fears a civil war will begin if Queen Elizabeth appoints the Catholic Cardinal Wiseman as the Archbishop of Westminster.
